Wright: What I really Said

The following is a statement issued by Arsenal.com on behalf of Ian Wright.

Wrighty felt so hard done to by the media's obvious attempts to twist his words in order to get a sensational story, that, off his own back, he got in touch with the club and issued this statement.

Ian, we know you're really disappointed with how some people have perceived what you've been quoted as saying about Thierry Henry and whether he may leave Arsenal?

'Really disappointed is an understatement, to be honest I've been devastated. For someone who has such a passion about Arsenal to be getting grief from Arsenal supporters really hurts.

So what exactly did you say?

'Look, I get asked about Thierry and his contract all the time. With him breaking my record and everything I feel like I've become some kind of official spokesman or something and when people ask I want to say what I genuinely believe which is this.

'When I was at the height of my powers and playing for Arsenal if someone had contacted you from a team like Barcelona, with Ronaldinho, Messi, E'to and unbelievable players like that, would I have listened to what they had to say to me? Of course I would, you have to, but that's not to say I would have ever left. And with Thierry I just said exactly the same, he would have to consider something like that, but I categorically, from the bottom of my heart do not want Thierry Henry to leave Arsenal Football Club.

'And we need him to be with us at the new stadium, because if you look at the team that Arsène Wenger is bringing through, it is so exciting and with Thierry's experience to help these kids, who are already such great players, we can be right back at the top again.

'Also, if you have someone like Thierry Henry in your side, as your captain, you can always attract other great players to the Club, anyone would want to play alongside him.”

Ian Wright is a legend at Highbury, and just by reading what he says, he is obviously still a Gooner.